By Karen Ibrahim
Security challenges have remained a dominant and deeply troubling issue in Nigeria’s national discourse since the insurgency began in 2009 when Boko Haram launched a violent uprising against the government. All the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are grappling with one form of insecurity or another—ranging from outright banditry and terrorism to kidnapping, communal clashes, and other violent crimes. These persistent threats do not only endanger lives and property but also undermine governance, stall economic development, and erode public confidence in the federal government’s capacity to safeguard its citizens,because it has disrupted agriculture, education, and commerce, and is posing a serious threat to the country’s social fabric.
Sokoto State, the Seat of the Caliphate, has not been immune from the security challenges. The rise in banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and rural violence has shaken communities, who rightly have demanded urgent, and coordinated responses from both the state government and federal security agencies.
The Sokoto State Government has not stood by helplessly while its citizens are killed, kidnapped, or displaced by criminal elements even though security is constitutionally the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government.
Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states: “There shall be a police force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section no other police force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof.” This provision centralizes control of policing and national security under the Federal Government, significantly restricting state governments’ authority in tackling insecurity directly.
Despite the clear provisions of the Constitution, state governments continue to be blamed for the situation either due to ignorance, deliberate distortion, or political mischief.
This legal constraint presents a serious dilemma for states like Sokoto, which must contend with growing security threats without direct control over the security forces operating in their domains. Still, the Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu has embraced a pragmatic, and multi-faceted response. These includes logistical support for the federal security services, the strengthening of local intelligence networks, and promoting inter-agency collaboration—all within a framework where ultimate command for these remains at Abuja.
Banditry in Sokoto State has transformed from sporadic cattle theft into a well-coordinated and deadly form of organized crime. Armed groups—often entrenched in forested enclaves or moving across Nigeria’s porous borders—routinely launch attacks on rural settlements, displace populations, and extort ransom from hostages especially in the boarder area with Zamfara State. Fear has driven farmers from their lands, worsening food insecurity, while commercial activities have been severely crippled in some parts of the state.
Aggravating the situation are structural challenges such as extreme poverty, youth unemployment, unregulated border crossings—especially with Niger Republic—and the unchecked influx of small arms. Sokoto’s position as a transit point between Nigeria and some neighboring countries has rendered it vulnerable to regional crime syndicates and cross-border banditry.This is a problem that only the federal government can resolve in partnership with these countries.
Fully aware that economic development cannot thrive in an insecure environment, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has rightly placed security at the forefront of his administration’s agenda. His administration has taken tangible steps with over 130 patrol vehicles procured for federal security agencies; the establishment of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps to bolster grassroots surveillance and rural protection. The corps has been provided with more than 700 motorcycles, 40 operational vehicles and functional offices to ensure easy access to hard-to-reach areas. In addition, the administration has supported the DSS with advanced tracking technology, while the construction of a military base in Illela and ongoing plans for an Air Force base underscore a long-term strategic posture.
In a painful illustration of the dangers local security operatives face on a daily basis, five members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps have lost their lives in recent months during encounters with the armed bandits. These men, committed to defending their communities, were ambushed during patrol operations. Their sacrifice reflects both the severity of the threat and the urgent need for enhanced protection, equipment, and federal reinforcement through the recruitment of more men and women into the armed forces.
The Sokoto State Government in realization that the communities remain pivotal in the sustainable security framework has incorporated the Traditional rulers, hunters, religious leaders, and vigilante groups into the war as key players in intelligence-gathering and mediation efforts. However, they often operate without adequate training. Institutionalizing their involvement and offering capacity-building support is crucial to building a more resilient security response at the grassroots.
The Ahmed Aliyu administration also understands that economic hardship fuels unrest and serves as a recruitment tool for criminal groups. With this in mind, it has also anchored its security strategy on reviving Sokoto’s agrarian economy. The government has provided farmers with quality seeds, fertilizers, rehabilitated irrigation facilities, and provided market access to farmers by constructing roads. The objective is to stabilize rural incomes and diminish the appeal for armed gangs by the youths.
The administration has also established vocational training centres that offer market-relevant skills, coupled with micro-loans and starter kits to promote small businesses. These interventions aim to create viable alternatives for youth and reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by violent groups.
Criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the Sokoto State Government has not done enough to combat insecurity overlooks both the realities of Nigeria’s federal system and the significant actions taken so far by Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Section 214 of the Constitution makes it abundantly clear that policing powers are exclusively federal. Nonetheless, the Sokoto Government has gone far beyond its constitutional obligation to fund operational logistics, establishment of the Community Guard Corps, encouraging joint agency efforts, and facilitating the establishment of military infrastructure. These are bold and purposeful initiatives. Instead of politicizing insecurity, the opposition PDP should support collective, non-partisan efforts by Governor Aliyu to secure the state.
Yet, more must be done. Bandits are highly mobile, adapting quickly and exploiting the vast, rugged terrains and cross-border hideouts. Confronting them effectively demands significantly larger and more agile security deployments than any single state can lawfully or logistically provide. Sokoto State requires deeper collaboration with the Federal Government—particularly in deploying more personnel to high-risk areas and boosting aerial surveillance capabilities using drones and satellite technology. Simultaneously, the state must invest continuously in training its security corps.
In the long run, unless constitutional reforms enable states to have a more direct hand in internal security management, governments like Sokoto’s will remain constrained—doing their best within limited authority. The issue is no longer about willingness but about structural capability. To match the sophistication of today’s security threats, Nigeria’s national architecture must adapt. Security must go hand in hand with decentralization and local empowerment.
At the height of the security challenges the National Council of State mandated the National Assembly to fast track the proposed constitutional amendments to enable states desiring to create their own state police. Like everything Nigeria, the process is stalled because the members of the National Assembly are opposed to it due to fears of abuse by state governors. As a result, many states have been unable to establish fully empowered community police forces.
Until then, Sokoto State will within its limited capacity continue to steadfastly, and courageously defend its people. But there is no doubt that it’s in need of greater autonomy to fully shield its people.
Sokoto State’s battle against terrorism reflects the broader complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity challenge. While it has made commendable progress the ball for a total victory over the insurgents lies with the federal government of Nigeria which controls the coercive power of the state.